This inspiring collection of eclectic images reflects what is possible when we turn away from trends in favor of tradition with modern amenities. Timeless tranquility and relaxed elegance are favorites on this site, and European influenced designs seem to honor it best in country houses, English country cottages, French farmhouses, and villas with sleepy rustic charm. These breezy country French modern interiors have a story to tell. Something romantic emerges in the mood of a room when the saturation of colors turns down, when a spare mix of antiques with modern is thoughtfully curated. Let’s explore the fruit of what is possible.
![Living room with antques in Eleanor Cummings designed modern French farmhouse near Round Top, TX in MILIEU magazine. #modernfrench #europeancountry](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/eleanor-cummings-round-top-modern-french-farmhouse-milieu-003.jpg)
Breezy Country French Modern: Learn the Look!
European Country Vs. American Country
How is modern French and European Country different from American or farmhouse style? Oh, the world of country decorating and all of the different labels we slap on beautiful country styled rooms!
![Beautiful modern European country kitchen with French range and Farrow & Ball Light Blue painted cabinets - @bilottakitchens. #farrowandballlightblue #bluekitchens #modernfrench](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/farrow-ball-light-blue-kitchen-cabinets-bilottakitchens.jpg)
What I’m calling modern European Country style here is influenced by country homes in France, cottages in the English countryside, Swedish farmhouses, rustic Italian villas, and Belgian minimal style.
![Stucco exterior of Eleanor Cummings designed modern French farmhouse near Round Top, TX in MILIEU magazine. #modernfrench #europeancountry](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/eleanor-cummings-round-top-modern-french-farmhouse-milieu-009.jpg)
American farmhouse style may also draw from traditional style, but the mix of design elements is typically less eclectic.
![Ammonite paint color by Farrow & Ball is a wonderful warm greyed white with an atmospheric, serene mood. #ammonite #farrowandball #paintcolors #lightgrey #diningroom #europeancountry #rusticdecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/002-farrow-ball-ammonite-paint-color-rustic-european-country-interior.jpg)
Country houses in Europe tend to have antiques in the mix and feel evolved because they HAVE evolved.
![Murphy Mears designed home (Jill Egan interiors) with Segreto stone and flooring from Chateau Domingue. #modernfrench #belgianminimalism](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/murphy-mears-modern-French-living-room-jill-egan-interiors-segreto-stone-floor-chateau-domingue.jpg)
We Americans are often in a hurry to get a look done in a day which has obvious drawbacks.
![Serene sage green Scandinavian kitchen with mossy green cabinets and modern adjustable arm sconces - Petra Bindel. #swedishkitchen #scandinaviandesign #nordicstyle #europeancountry #kitchendesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/003-green-scandinavian-kitchen-@petrabindel-for-@elledecorationse.jpg)
A slower process, mixing collected ingredients, and thoughtful layering (with an emphasis on purposeful objects, not “decorations) results in a breezier, more effortless simplicity.
Modern French & European Country Color Palettes
Another distinctive quality of European country decorating is the use of pale colors and natural neutrals.
![Benjamin Moore White Sand paint color on walls of my French country dining room with dried hydrangea in vintage bucket on table with grainsack runner - Hello Lovely Studio. #frenchcountry #diningroom #paintcolors #benjaminmoorewhitesand #whitesand #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/005-french-country-dining-room-benjamin-moore-white-sand-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
American country interiors often emply brighter tones and are layered with prints and pattern, while European-inspired spaces lean toward calmer color stories.
![Smoke Green paint (F&B) on French farmhouse kitchen cabinets. Design by Vivi et Margot has a luxurious Ilve range #frenchfarmhouse #smokegreen #paintcolors #frenchkitchen #kitchendesign #farrowandballsmokegreen #greencabinets #ilverange #vivietmargot](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/006-vivi-et-margot-french-farmhouse-kitchen-ilve-range-farrow-ball-smoke-green-cabinets.jpg)
Plenty of airy light color stories beyond beige on beige though! Charlotte’s former French farmhouse kitchen with its Green Smoke cabinets springs to mind.
Somehow the kitchen was uplifted by the green (it was formerly putty) and still airy, not moody.
There seems always to be a new trending palette or paint color of the moment on social feeds, and trending products often reflect a cultural milieu.
![English country cottage kitchen with Farrow & Ball Setting Plaster cabinets and Wimborne White walls - @penlancottagebrecon. #settingplaster #englishcountryinterior](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/penlancottagebrecon-english-country-kitchen-farrow-ball-setting-plaster-cabinets-wimborne-white-walls-rustic.jpg)
However, a timeless approach is not tethered to a particular chapter in history or cultural milieu (such as post-pandemic anxiety mode).
Cozy white country French modern kitchens won’t feel silly in a few years since they have already proven to be desirable, inviting, and pleasing.
![Wimborne White paint color by Farrow & Ball on walls of a glorious country kitchen by Siobhan McFadden of Homestead. #wimbornewhite #farrowandball #paintcolors #englishcountry #kitchendesign #whitepaintcolors #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/008-wimborne-white-farrow-ball-paint-color-country-kitchen-walls-homestead.jpg)
Antiques, Patina & Repurposed Materials
There’s a more conservative sensibility that goes along with timeless approaches to design.
Things don’t need to be shiny and new or require polishing.
![Beautiful English country kitchen with cabinets painted Setting Plaster and walls Wimborne White by Farrow & Ball - @penlancottagebrecon. #englishcountrykitchen #farrowandballsettingplaster #farrowandballwimbornewhite](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/penlancottagebrecon-english-country-kitchen-farrow-ball-setting-plaster-cabinets-wimborne-white-walls.jpg)
A more French approach is to buy high quality and allow it to age gracefully.
![Stunning architecture and European country inspired design in a Malibu kitchen with white oak, limestone, and bespoke details - Giannetti Home. #kitchendesign #europeancountry #frenchfarmhouse #bespokekitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Giannetti_Sanders_Kitchen-patina-homes-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
![Patina Homes by Brooke Giannetti and Steve Giannetti (Gibbs Smith, 2021) book cover. #interiordesign #brookegiannetti #frenchfarmhouse](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/patina-homes-giannetti-gibbs-smith-book-cover.jpg)
In America, homeowners are quick to replace objects with signs of wear and are less tolerant of imperfections as materials change.
![Sophisticated and elegant English cottage interior - Anton & K.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/001-antonkdecorativeantiques-wing-chairs.jpg)
Country French Modern interiors celebrate signs of age and all that is tumbledown lovely.
![French and Swedish antiques in a Cotswolds cottage by Anton & K. #englishcottage #europeancountry #countrykitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/001-antonkdecorativeantiques-kitchen-stone-floor.jpg)
So many design elements get better as they age and develop patina.
![Tara Shaw designed space with butterfly bench, antique African currency swords, and Swedish secretaire. #tarashaw](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/tara-shaw-swedish-secretary-dining-room.jpg)
Wood, metal, and stone change in appearance with time, and the look feels rich and comforting from serving its purpose well for so long.
![French bistro chair and stripe Turkish throw tucked in a corner of my garden to invite relaxation and reading (cookbooks are my idea of relaxation!). #hellolovelystudio #frenchcountry #bistrochair #turkishthrow #seagrassbasket #turkishtowel #outdooroasis #romanticgarden #outdoordecor #bistrochairs](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/010-hello-lovely-studio-modern-french-bistro-black-chair-basket-flowers-turkish-towel-stone-wall.jpg)
You can learn to appreciate the look of such modern country spaces in European country houses in design books. (Read the commentary instead of simply skimming photos.)
![Outdoor French Cafe: Shop the Look on Hello Lovely Studio! #outdoordining #bistroset #frenchaesthetic](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/outdoor-french-cafe-shop-the-look-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
The point is not to copy a room you love but to learn the look and apply its guiding principles to your own project.
Quietude, Living With Less & Understated Interiors
You can’t miss the use of restraint and thoughtful curation in European country decorating, whether it is modern or more traditional.
![Farrow & Ball Pointing paint color in a stairway of a beautiful home. #pointing #farrowandballpointing #whitepaintcolors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/image-24.png)
In part, this is a natural consequence of smaller homes in Europe versus the United States.
A more spare look is often a more spacious look.
But there’s also a real sense of not showing off, of humility.
![BM White Sand in our French country dining room with antique grainsack runner and galvanized bucket of hydrangea - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovely #bmwhitesand #frenchcountrywhites](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/00001-hello-lovely-studio-french-country-dining-room-arches-1.jpg)
Let’s face it. A country house is often about enjoying the outdoors, the beauty of nature, and relaxation from busy careers and work.
![BM White Sand paint color in Belgian style living room with original abstracts by Michele - Hello Lovely Studio. #bmwhitesand](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/001-benjamin-moore-white-sand-french-country-living-room-belgian-linen-2.jpg)
Fine things and beautiful collections of art and sculpture belong, yet they should relate and elevate the overall design.
![French farmhouse photos and design inspiration. Rustic decor, weathered stone and doors, European antiques, and French country decorating inspiration. #frenchfarmhouse #rusticdecor #frenchcountry #interiordesign #frenchinspiration #frenchhomes #frenchdecor #europeanfarmhouse](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/017-reclaimed-antique-stone-chateau-domingue-ruth-gay-home-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Understated elegance is never easily defined!
![Elegant rustic French country dining room with antiques, reclaimed stone, and treasures from Chateau Dominuge including limestone fireplace - Milieu. #oldworldstyle #diningroom #countryfrench #frenchfarmhouse #diningrooms](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/014-farmhouse-french-dining-room-chateau-domingue-ruth-gay-home-hello-lovely-studio-pamela-pierce.jpg)
Don’t you agree? When you see it, you can recognize it.
![Charming French farmhouse girl's bedroom with iron panel beds and windows open to countryside - Vivi et Margot. #frenchfarmhouse #bedrooms #girlsbedroom](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/015-strong-white-farrow-ball-paint-color-french-farmhouse-girls-bedroom-vivi-et-margot-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
But reducing it to a few sentences? Far trickier.
![Gorgeous white stucco French farmhouse inspired house exterior with tile roof - Reagan Andre. #pamelapierce #reaganandre #frenchfarmhouse #houseexterior #housedesign #whitestucco](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/018-french-farmhouse-exterior-reagan-andre-annette-schatte-guest-house-houston.jpg)
Collections & Vignettes
Displaying a treasured collection can be such a joy in decorating.
![Old apothecary jars, rustic antiques from Europe, and a concerned kitty too in a dining room by Chateau Domingue. #diningrooms #interiordesign #countryfrench](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/019-dining-room-french-country-chateau-domingue-ruth-gay-home-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
The display of a collection can read modern even if the objects are very old.
![Serene minimal bedroom - Patina Farm (Brooke Giannetti) European country farmhouse in Ojai. #patinafarm #vintagemodern #modernrustic #romanticbedroom](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/patina-farm-brooke-giannetti-master-bedroom-steel-windows-linen-bedding.jpg)
And if your collection is antique furniture, well then, it is easy to enjoy in its usefulness and ability to set a tone.
![Gorgeous European farmhouse style in a New York apartment entry with rustic finishes and antiques by Jocelyn Sinnauer.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/020-rustic-french-farmhouse-entry-jocelyn-sinauer-remodelista.jpg)
Pieces can be modernized with new upholstery or used for a new purpose.
![Gracie wallpaper in living room - Patina Farm (Brooke Giannetti) European country farmhouse in Ojai. #patinafarm #vintagemodern #modernrustic #livingrooms](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/patina-farm-brooke-giannetti-living-room-gracie-wallpaper-jib-door-tv-ottoman-bread-boards.jpg)
For example, Old cupboards can become new bath vanities.
![Breathtaking, timeless, and tranquil bathroom design with natural materials, European antiques, and bespoke design from Giannetti Home. #bathroomdesign #europeancountry #sophisticatedstyle #brookegiannetti](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Giannetti_Sanders_GuestBathroomTub-patina-homes-hello-lovely-studio-0001.jpg)
Another way to add modernity to a country interior that is otherwise traditional in style?
![Quiet and humble beauty in a lovely country kitchen and dining area with shabby chic vintage style. A chunky antique farm table mixes with antique mismatched chairs and a white chandelier. #shabbychic #countrykitchen #beadboardceiling](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/021-rustic-french-farmhouse-kitchen-farm-table-jocelyn-sinauer-remodelista.jpg)
Modern lighting and modern art. I paint meditative abstract seascapes which blend nicely with Old World style environments.
![An abstract painting by me on a white wall in a bedroom with white linen slipcovered chairs and farm table - Hello Lovely Studio. #benjaminmoorewhite #paintcolors #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/022-white-linen-chairs-round-farm-table-hello-lovely-studio-bedroom.jpg)
What distinguishes modern European country farmhouse sensibilities from American country decorating?
I think American approaches to decorating are more centered in the present or dreaming about the future.
![Alder door opens into a neutral bedroom with linen upholstered egg chair and grisaille mural on wall - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/023-egg-chair-animal-print-throw-hello-lovely-studio-photowall-trees-white-wallpaper-bedroom.jpg)
While a more European approach seems to honor history and what has endured.
![The charm of vertical built-in shelves in a vintage style kitchen is hard to beat! Ironstone, white dishware, and stoneware look elegant massed in this country style space with #shabbychic appeal. #ironstone #whitedecor #farmhousestyle](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/024-rustic-shelves-white-ironstone-european-country-cottage-jocelyn-sinauer-remodelista.jpg)
![Serene bedroom with European rustic elegance looks as though it might be in the South of France, not New York...see more lovely examples of European farmhouse decor you can bring to your own spaces at home. #Europeanfarmhouse #elegantdecor #countrystyle](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/025-rustic-european-country-cottage-white-linen-bedroom-jocelyn-sinauer-remodelista.jpg)
We love us some innovation and LATEST AND GREATEST in modern America.
![Rustic elegance and uncluttered country decor sing in a French Nordic Farmhouse dining room with knotty wood ceiling and antique lantern. See more European inspired country decor in the story. #FrenchCountry #FrenchNordic #countrydecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/026-country-french-dining-room-vintage-green-chairs-desiree-ashworth-decor-de-provence.jpg)
Yet there’s romance, a design intelligence and even soulfulness when goodness from the past (whether rare or common) is celebrated.
Maybe the USA is still too young to fully appreciate the significance of wisdom from the past.
![BM White Sand in a modern French entry hall with arched walnut front doors - Hello Lovely Studio. #bmwhitesand](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/00001-hello-lovely-studio-french-country-foyer-entry-walnut-arched-doors-2.jpg)
With rapid technological advances and a pervading sense of keeping up to stay relevant, it would be sweet relief if our spaces at home could be exempt from all the frenzy!
An Evolved Look & Mastering the Mix
Take your time in layering your room with furniture, decor, and colors that feel comforting to you.
![Elegant, refined, and masterfully designed, this kitchen with farm sink and arched window is but one moment in our tour of unforgettable interiors with European inspired charm. #farmsink #FrenchCountry #lightblue](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/029-kitchen-farm-sink-elegant-blue-southeastern-designer-showhouse-lauren-deloach.jpg)
Once you have a particular mood and color story in mind, try not to fill your space quickly in a few shopping trips.
![Rustic aged wood ceiling beams, brick flooring and walls of glass in a masterfully designed European country home - Oz Architects.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/030-oz-architects-european-country-interiors-hello-lovely-studio-farmhouse-inspiration.jpg)
Let it breathe and speak to you. Make a list of characteristics you admire and objects you may wish to collect and live with. As budget allows, let the design unfold without rushing it.
Modern Euro Country Farmhouse Favorites
There are so many beautiful ways to interpret country French modern and European country style! These decorating ingredients often appear in lovely designs:
Harvest tables
Antique chairs
Painted furniture
Natural wood finishes
Rugged stone and marble
Farm Sinks
Solid wood doors
Iron lanterns
Organic materials
Handcrafted objects
Plaster walls
Rustic freestanding cupboards
Exposed rafters and beams
Reading Nooks
Butcher’s Block
Exposed Ceiling Beams
Patina-ed everything
Weathered Wood and Metals
Fresh Flowers
Handpainted objects
Glazed tiles
Vintage Linens and Quilts
Clawfoot Tubs
Canopy Beds
Matte finishes (non-shiny metals)
Steel windows
An absence of plastic/vinyl/disposable
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
![Hello Lovely European Country Decor Style Finds with furniture and home decor resources! #hellolovelystudio #europeancountry #homedecor #furniture #frenchfarmhouse #frenchcountry #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/hello-lovely-european-country-decor-style-finds-banner.png)
![Country French Decorating Ideas and Resources from Hello Lovely Studio. #countryfrenchdecor #frenchfarmhouse](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/001-hello-lovely-country-french-finds-banner.jpg)
![English country cottage ideas for the look on Hello Lovely Studio. #englishcountry #shopthelook](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/english-country-cottage-ideas-for-the-look-hello-lovely-studio-mood-board-banner.jpg)
![Hello Lovely French Farmhouse Design Finds](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/hello-lovely-french-farmhouse-design-finds-banner.jpg)
If you missed THIS BREATHTAKING TOUR of exceptional European inspired designs with exquisite finishes…you’ll thank me!
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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Lovely inspiration pictures. “Maybe the USA is still too young to fully appreciate the significance of wisdom from the past.” I don’t think that’s necessarily so because we American’s clamor to travel abroad to the continent in order to soak in the old world. I do think Americans are too caught up in competing and boasting and keeping up appearances which results in continually reinventing our spaces rather than embracing our own well thought out style. Our “feeds” constantly tell us to keep up, stay abreast, win the race. THAT does reveal our immaturity and lack of wisdom to honor the past. Sadly many don’t know there is no race. I continually try to embrace slow living but it requires great resolve because life is just SO daily.
Author
Thanks for reading! I hear you. I’m an inspiration blogger, and I’m personally tired of “aspirational” everything since I’m always immersed in it. I’m certainly no model of slow living – when I write on the topic it is because I need the reminders. I talk about how wonderful it is to have FB Marketplace so all the furniture won’t clutter landfills, but online marketplaces also attract criminals, crime rings, and fraud so is it just trading one problem for another? So confusing to know what is pure, what anxieties are valid, and what battles should be prioritized.